Sunday, August 25, 2013

I came across this artist perusing the Top 20 Video Countdown 8/25/13 by Artists on YouTube. Her name is Sonia Rao and she is a Los Angeles based indie pop singer/songwriter. She not only is strikingly beautiful she has an interesting sound. If you have a minute check her out.The first song I am going to feature is titled “Sonia Rao & Elliott Yamin - Ain't No Sunshine” (2) and the second is one of her own titled “You Say I” (3).

I hope enjoy this music as much as I do. I love a new sound every day of the week.

Introduction:

I am somewhat of an unconventional person when I cook. I like to cook dishes that are tasty and quick. My time is limited like everyone else in the world. In addition, I like to mix traditional American dishes with my favorite Mexican dishes. I personally believe it works well together. Today I am cooking barbecued center cut pork chops, grilled shrimp, black bean soup, Mexican rice and lightly buttered asparagus. My son moved back into my apartment so cooking for the week is an important part of my Sunday ritual.

I am using ingredients that are listed below. My picture is based off of small portions. So, I don’t screw up my summer diet program.

Ingredients & Cooking Directions – Barbecued Center Cut Pork Chops

This is so simple, quick and comes out perfect each time. First make sure you beat the egg and milk together and then in the mixing bag place the “Shake ‘N Bake” ingredients, pepper, and salt. It is a simple as simple as dipping each pork chop into egg and milk (pre-beaten mixture) and then placing in the mixing bag, shaking it around until each pork chop is completely covered. I like to place the covered pork chops on a flat pan which has a ½ inch ledge. The covered pork chops are then cooked in a pre-heated oven at 425 degrees for about 20 minutes.

4 Center Cut Pork Chops

1 Egg

1 Cup milk

1 package from “Shake ‘N Bake” barbecue pork chops

¼ Teaspoon salt

¼ Teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

¼ Teaspoon fresh coarse ground black pepper

Grilled Shrimp

I just place the shrimp on a corner of the pan being used to cook the pork chops. I make sure they a fully covered with all the spices referenced below and cook at the same 425 degrees for about 20 minutes.

2 Cups of cooked shrimp (size does not matter)

1 Teaspoon New Orleans seafood seasoning

½ Teaspoon black pepper

½ Teaspoon lemon pepper

A dash of salt

Black Bean Soup

Like potatoes are some house holds, black Bean Soup is a tradition in my home for Sunday dinners. Use a medium pot adding all ingredients and cooked over medium high burner for at least 2 hours until the bean is soft. Keep adding water as necessary.

1 ½ Cups dried black beans (10 oz.), picked over and rinsed

1 Small red onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice (3/4 cup)

½ Teaspoon chopped garlic

½ Teaspoon finely chopped (seedless) fresh jalapeno

¼ Teaspoon chili pepper

3 Chicken bouillon cubes

¾ Teaspoon black pepper

5 Tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro

A dash of salt

Mexican Rice

First you need to brown the long grain rice until it starts to puff like popcorn. It is important that you stir constantly. Once browned, drain off the grease, adding the following ingredients and cook on medium heat until the water has almost evaporated. Then turn off the heat and cover leaving the pan on the warm burner for about 15 – 20 minutes.

1 Can of ROTEL tomatoes

½ Medium red onion

chopped

½ Teaspoon finely chopped (seedless) fresh jalapeno

2 Cups long grain white rice

1 Cup canola oil

1 Minced garlic clove

3 Chicken bouillon cubes

¼ Cup fresh cilantro, minced

A dash of salt

Asparagus

First you need to purchase a fresh bundle of asparagus cut the ends off and place in a pot of boiling water. I leave them in for about 4 to 5 minutes tops, drain, cover and let sit. I add a dash of pepper, salt and a tablespoon of butter.

Thoughts:

I don’t spend a lot of time with steps because with these dishes it really does not matter, the taste is amazing and honestly time is important to me.

Bon Apatite Peace Diana

This song and words have been selected in tribute to someone I love and the amazing Tom Petty who has left us this week. RIP....My song this evening is "Face In The Crowd". It is a simple song about a stranger that becomes a major part of one's life... my interpretation."A Face In The Crowd" (3)Before all of this ever went downIn another place, another town,You were just a face in the crowdOut in the street, walking aroundA face in the crowdOut of a dream, out of the skyInto my heart, into my lifeAnd you were just a face in the crowdOut in the street, thinking out loudA face in the crowdPeace Diana

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My Quote

T. S. Elliot wrote that “Poetry is not a turning loose of emotion, but an escape from emotion; it is not the expression of personality, but an escape from personality. But, of course, only those who have personality and emotions know what it means to want to escape from these things”.